Share it Liquid biopsy developers feature heavily in the latest round of FDA breakthrough designations, with Natera, Inivata and Bluestar Genomics all securing the status for their blood-based cancer tests. Natera disclosed two breakthrough designations for its Signatera molecular residual disease (MRD) test. The designations provide a boost to Natera’s efforts to develop the circulating tumor DNA test through phase 3 trials as a companion diagnostic to two cancer medicines. Texas-based Natera framed the FDA designations, which bring the number of Signatera breakthrough statuses up to three, as a reflection of progress in its cancer biopharma business. The unit has signed $65 million in contracts over the past year. Natera is yet to win FDA approval but it performs the test as a CLIA-certified laboratory.